Thursday, December 31, 2015

Outlander First Look: From Kilts to Couture - See Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe in Costume for Season 2 of the Starz Drama

It’s not just about the kilts in the second season of Outlander. In preparation for the drama’s action-packed year on Starz, costumer designer Terry Dresbach set aside the heavy tartans to make way for lots of sumptuous silks, like these exquisite togs that Claire (Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie (Sam Heughan) wear to the King’s stables in France. Here, Dresbach talks why it was necessary to almost break the bank to costume Claire and Jamie, who infiltrate opulent French society this season in an effort to stop the Battle of Culloden.

“It’s a massive season. We figured out recently that we’ve made over 10,000 items for season 2 and acquired another 5,000 shoes. Knowing that was in front of us … it was a monumental task. We started thinking about it halfway through season 1. It’s a completely different kind of clothing. In Scotland, there is not a ton of research out there about what they wore. It was a rough place. But France [in the 18th century] was one of the most well-documented periods of fashion in the world, so you better get it right. There is no wiggle room. Everything has to be sumptuous and lavish and every inch is beaded and embroidered. This is why I came back into the business to do this show. Getting to do 18th century French court is a designer’s dream. It’s fabulous.”

(For more details about Claire’s luscious dress – and where Dresbach found the fabric – pick up the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly, on stands now).